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Health, Senegal

Jeremy Blackwood

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The standard of healthcare in the capital, Dakar, is reasonable and there is a ready supply of western medicines. However elsewhere in the country healthcare provision is very poor. Health insurance is absolutely essential if you want to be able to get treatment and we advise that you take out a policy which covers the cost of repatriation should this become necessary. There are also several other health risks to consider when visiting Senegal, schistosomiasis is present so swimming and paddling in areas of freshwater should be avoided. Chlorinated swimming pools are safe. Hepatitis A, B and E are all widespread so the appropriate precautions should be taken. In addition rabies is present in the country; those likely to be at risk (i.e. handling animals) should be vaccinated before arrival. Anyone bitten by an animal should seek immediate medical advice.
A vaccination against typhoid is recommended before visiting Senegal, this can be obtained from your local GP for around Ł40. Cholera is also present in Senegal and you should consult your GP about the necessity for taking a vaccination or other preventative treatment. Malaria is present throughout the country mostly in the falciparum form, there have been some reported cases of resistance to chlorquine so you should consult you doctor about the most appropriate treatment to use.
All water should be considered potentially dangerous and should be boiled or sterilised before use for any purpose. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled before use, dairy products should be avoided since they are unlikely to have been made with properly sterilised milk. Meat should be well cooked and eaten hot, fruits and vegetables should be washed and where possible peeled and/or cooked before consumption. More info on: www.the-backpacking-site.com